Out of 711 inmates tested for the COVID-19 virus at the Silverdale Detention Center in Chattanooga, 15 have tested positive for the virus but were showing no symptoms at the time of testing, according to CoreCivic – the private prison operator that manages the detention center.
Three of those inmates who tested positive were released from the detention center prior to receiving their results but have been notified, a news release sent Tuesday states. Out of 204 employees tested at the facility, no tests came back positive but 19 more staff members still need to be tested.
“The health and safety of the individuals entrusted to our care and our staff is the top priority for CoreCivic,” said Dr. Keith Ivens, CoreCivic’s chief medical officer, in the release. “This commitment is shared by our partners at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and we have worked closely together with HCSO and state health officials to respond to this unprecedented situation appropriately, thoroughly and with care for the well-being of those entrusted to us and our communities.”
The facility is currently conducting contact tracing for all staff and inmates.
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